UTICA, NY - For the second time in program history, the Utica University football has earned a ranking in the weekly D3football.com Top 25 poll.
Following a 36-29 win over a previously undefeated Hobart team, the Pioneers have received the #23 ranking in this week's poll, jumping up into the Top-25 for the first time since the conclusion of the 2022 season. In 2022, the Pioneers defeated #11 Susquehanna on the road in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament to advance to the Sweet 16 in the program's first NCAA Tournament appearance. Following that historic win, the program would receive a final ranking of #20, popping up in the poll for the first time in program history.
Now, in 2026, the team has done it once again. With a string of stellar wins over top tier opponents, the Pioneers have made their return to the rankings. The team opened the 2026 season with a display of defensive dominance, taking down Washington and Jefferson by a 26-11 final. In week two, four takeaways propelled the Pioneers to a 38-14 road win over RPI. Yesterday, the team used a 23-0 first half surge to secure the aforementioned 36-29 win over Hobart, sealing the team's entry into the Top-25. Both W&J and Hobart were receiving votes in either the D3football.com or AFCA polls during their matchups against Utica, which has helped shape the orange and blue's resume into one of Division III's best over the past few weeks.
This Saturday, the team will have a chance to build upon that resume, as they head to Alfred to take on another unbeaten program in the Alfred State Pioneers, who are off to a 3-0 start in 2026. The Pioneer Bowl will kick off at 1:00 PM from Pioneer field. Should the orange and blue win, there is a strong chance that October 3rd's Homecoming clash against SUNY Cortland will be a ranked battle, as the Red Dragons currently hold a ranking of #18 in the D3football.com poll.
Check out the following links for highlights from the team's three matchups so far!
Utica vs Washington and Jefferson:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_czjU8x7og
Utica at RPI:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Fe5s5ZTvf8&t=9s
Utica vs Hobart:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHDKr7EhZ3w
